January 11, 2018 (Cotuit, MA) – What does the phrase “sensory overload” mean to you? Last fall, the Arts Foundation of Cape Cod (AFCC) posed that question to the region’s top artists.

Of the 65 submissions the AFCC received, 39 pieces created by 35 artists were chosen for its annual Winter Art Exhibit, which opened last Saturday at the Cotuit Center for the Arts. Riverview School Creative Arts Specialist Nate Olin’s piece “Paris 11/13” was selected as this year’s Juror’s Choice Winner.

“The overall quality of the work has been really fabulous and thoughtful,” said the exhibit’s curator, Michelle Law of the Cotuit Center for the Arts.

Now in its 11th year, Winter Art offers local artists an opportunity to create artwork focused on a specific theme. Last year, that theme was “personal space.”

AFCC Executive Director Julie Wake said this year’s theme of sensory overload is particularly appropriate given the influence that technology has on society. “What I found so interesting is that although the theme may carry negative connotations, many of the artists depicted it in a positive light,” she said. “It shows how art has the power to shatter our preconceptions. I think it’s an important reminder to be willing to accept different points of views, particularly in our current times.”

The public will have an opportunity to view these varied and distinct interpretations of this year’s theme through Saturday, February 10th. In addition to their evening concerts, plays, and other events, the Cotuit Center for the Arts is open Monday through Saturday, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

While the exhibit is open to people of all ages, special consideration is given to children. Pieces are hung a foot lower than usual to engage local elementary school students who will tour the exhibit with their classes.

During those visits, students will have an opportunity to meet with one of the 35 artists participating in this year’s show and to make their own piece of art related to the theme. Wake estimates nearly 800 local students will take part in these school tours.

Thea Goldman, a senior at Sturgis Charter Public School, said her favorite aspect of Winter Art is that its primary audience is children. This is now the third year she has had a piece in the exhibit; her photograph “Trying To Understand” was selected for the show. “I like that this is for kids,” she said. “You can have a lot of fun because it’s focused for children.”

No matter what age you are, Wake said, the exhibit will leave the public contemplating this year’s theme and how it relates to their own lives.

About the AFCC

The AFCC’s mission is to support, promote, and celebrate the arts and culture of Cape Cod. It fulfills its mission by funding grants, fellowships, and scholarships; by advocating for more awareness on the impact the Cape’s creative economy has on our region and beyond; and by building a strong arts community network through membership.

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